Pages

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to withdraw prior to his quarterfinal match in Sydney against the Flying Finn, Jarkko Nieminen, with another back injury.

The Frenchie, whose litany of injuries havs been well-documented including his back, was unsure about his prospects ahead of the Aussie Open where he made a surprise run to the finals last year:

I hope it will not affect me for the Australian Open but I don't know. I had a problem with my disc a long time ago and sometimes it happens. I just have to wait and come back on the court when I feel better. I can't do anything for the next two days. I will stay maybe in my bed and hope I will be better.

Ay, yay, yay. Why can't you stay healthy for any significant length of time, Jo-Willy? I mean, look at the results you had last fall when your health was intact (2 titles including Paris Masters).

You look to be a big, strapping boy so I'm think there's something funky about your technique somewhere.

I won't, I can't, I WILL NOT hide my disappointment Jo-Willy. No, not this time...

natch: He WILL be missed if he doesn't make it. Who'll do the fun thumb victory dance then???

anon: I could see that and I def agree with you on the back issues becoming chronic. But I remember reading something where they talked about how the technique on his forehand could be causing him some issues. I believe they were saying there's something rigid about his swing. Plus he needs better flexibility, if possible.

His body is definitely too tight. He would benefit immensely from yoga, although with that type of body, you can only do so much. He's just not built for tennis. That is such a shame because he is so much fun to watch.

I suppose Rafa and I could do the fun thumbs after we win naked doubles...but it wouldn't be the same, would it? ;)